The Nutcracker Returns To The State Theatre December 13–15

Magical toys, dancing snowflakes and belly dancers, all topped off with visions of sugarplums dancing on the stage! It must be time for the holiday tradition of the Ithaca Ballet’s Nutcracker at the State Theater! This year, the Ithaca Ballet brings The Nutcracker to the State Theatre December 13-15.  Once again, the Friday, December 13th evening performance at 7:30 will feature the Finger Lakes Symphony Orchestra conducted by S. Shade Zajac playing the famous Tchaikovsky score live. The Saturday and Sunday matinee performances are at 3:00 PM.

There are 70+ dancers in the Nutcracker, key dancing roles from the Ithaca Ballet company but many are guest dancers from the Ithaca community and beyond, with many guest children who train with the Ballet Center of Ithaca. This year, the role of Clara is being played by Bailey Baier the Nutcracker by Noah Pantano, Snow Queen and King by Maria Valencia & Kevin Olmstead, Sugar Plum Fairy and Cavalier danced by Ayla Naghsh and guest artist Jacob Taylor.  In the gorgeous Waltz of the Flowers, Vivian Fowler dances the role of the Dewdrop Fairy. Finally, Allen MacNeill and Wayne Van Camp return in the roles of the magical Herr Drosselmeyer and the comical Mouse King respectively. Cindy Reid is the Artistic Director of the Ithaca Ballet.

Choreographed by Lavinia Reid, the Ithaca Ballet’s Nutcracker is a treat for the whole family and a Finger Lakes tradition. The Nutcracker is truly a team effort and a community treasure.

Children of all ages will delight in Clara’s victory over the mice and her voyage to the Land of Sweets.

Tickets prices range from $10 to $22 and are available at the State Theatre box office, online at www.stateofithaca.com, or by calling 277-8283. Discounts for groups of 10 or more are available for all shows. This year’s performances are supported by CFCU Community Credit Union as Principal Sponsor and major sponsors WSKG, Coughlin & Gerhart, the Cayuga Radio Group, Hotel Ithaca, and Wegmans.

The next performance is Ithaca Ballet’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream on March 30th at the State Theatre.

Founded in 1961, The Ithaca Ballet, housed at the Ballet Center of Ithaca, is Upstate New York’s only repertory company. The ballet is a professional ensemble corps, having a varied repertoire of classical and contemporary works. For more information visit www.ithacaballet.org.